Even if the first to negotiate, Japan cannot receive special favors from the United States. NHK reported on the 24th, citing sources within the Japanese side, that U.S. officials clearly stated during negotiations with the Japanese trade delegation on the 16th that the U.S. would not grant Japan special treatment in terms of tariffs.

The report stated that the Japanese delegation led by Minister for Economic Revitalization Akira Akazawa visited the U.S., and talks between Japanese and American officials on trade issues were held in Washington on April 16 local time. The Japanese side strongly requested the U.S. to reconsider its tariff policies, with Akira Akazawa specifically requesting a review of tariffs on automobiles and steel, but the U.S. response was: "Japan cannot receive special treatment." Citing sources within the Japanese government, the report said that U.S. officials insisted that Japan could not be given special treatment under Trump's tariff measures, and it could not make an exception for Japan because other countries are also facing U.S. tariff pressure. Akira Akazawa told reporters on the 23rd that during the first round of negotiations, Japan had already understood Washington's concerns and priorities. He believed that Japan should quickly decide which areas to focus on.

On the same day, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba spoke at a session of the Japanese Diet, stating that Trump's reception of Akira Akazawa indicated that Washington highly valued Japan and relied on it. Ishiba also mentioned that Japan and the U.S. need to discuss how to bring benefits to the world through cooperation.

NHK reported that some inside the Japanese government are concerned that the U.S. will not negotiate on reducing tariffs while demanding that Japan increase imports of American cars and agricultural products to eliminate the U.S.'s trade deficit with Japan. However, Japan has no intention of giving up its demand for the U.S. to reduce the imposed tariffs. Akira Akazawa plans to once again request the U.S. to reconsider its tariff policy in the next round of negotiations and make it a topic for discussion. He plans to visit the U.S. for the second round of talks as soon as possible; Asahi TV reported on the 23rd that he may set off for the U.S. as early as April 30, while other reports suggest it might be in early May.

Previously, Kyodo News reported that U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, when interviewed by Bloomberg TV on the 14th, was asked about her view on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's reluctance to compromise in the tariff negotiations between Japan and the U.S. Yellen responded by saying: "The one who makes the deal first usually gets the most favorable terms." The report considered Yellen to be the U.S. lead negotiator in the Japan-U.S. trade talks, and her remarks may have been intended to restrain Ishiba and push for a quick agreement.

Japanese negotiator Akira Akazawa wearing a "MAGA" cap during his meeting with Trump on the 16th. Photo source: U.S. Government

Kong Erjun

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496734418330010163/

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